Apr 7, 2025

Cafe Naftalin K. Istanbul

Good vibes & warm atmosphere

"Cafe Naftalin K in Istanbul's Balat is a spot I love going with friends after photography tours in the area. It's so cozy - its stove is a lifesaver!"

Cafe Naftalin K is located in Balat, which is one of my favorite locations in Istanbul. I love to go to Balat for photography tours with my friends. This cafe is generally our last stop before leaving the neighborhood.

The interior design is really nice and fits perfectly in the surrounding environment of the old Balat-Fener area. It's very small, it's super cosy and filled with cool little trinkets, old cameras, pictures etc. If you want to go to the bathroom, do not be surprised, just open the refrigerator door. :)

They have such well designed menu paper which comes with an envelope. There are quotes outside of the envelope from famous authors (i.e. Franz Kafka / Letters to Milena). The mistress serves hand-made cookies and cakes with freshly brewed Turkish tea. On winter days, the stove inside the cafe is something like a lifesaver. Also, this cafe is a pet-friendly place. There are a lot of cats that will accompany you during your visit.

Beside the tea and cookies, they serve snacks, Turkish coffee and other coffee options. The prices are reasonable, considering the neighbouring places.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

About this spot

Yıldırım Caddesi No:22

Turkish coffee:

TL

175

5356438098

Find your way with 236 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Istanbul guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Istanbul

The Tortoise Trainer

Painting by Osman Hamdi Bey

The "Tortoise Trainer" is one of my favorite paintings to be found in Istanbul. You can see it in the contemporary/orientalist Istanbul Pera museum.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Zekeriya

S. Sen

May 4, 2025

Chandeliers in Hagia Sophia Mosque

Enlightenment

The "Chandeliers in Istanbul's Hagia Sophia" have their own little recent story which is good to remember whenever you pay a visit... Lighting is key!

002-building
Art & culture

by

Zekeriya

S. Sen

May 4, 2025

The Pera Museum

An alternative art museum for all

The "Pera Museum" is for you if you're into art from the life of Istanbul and the Ottoman world between the 17th and early 20th century...

002-building
Art & culture

by

Zekeriya

S. Sen

May 4, 2025

Primitif Birahane

Beer garden experience

With it large garden and lovely ambience, "Primitif Birahane" in Istanbul resembles 'biergartens' in Germany, though here you will find plenty of cats...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Cemre

Sandal

May 3, 2025

Vogue Restaurant Bar

Molecular cocktails & sushi

"Vogue Restaurant Bar" is one of Istanbul's higher end spots. The food is great, but I would recommend the signature (molecular) cocktails. How about...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Emre

Kamar

Apr 30, 2025

Banyan

High-end Asian fusion in Ortakoy

"Banyan" is my bar/restaurant of choice in Istanbul's Ortaköy for a drink or dinner after work. In their terrace you'll feel as if you're on a ship's deck.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Emre

Kamar

Apr 30, 2025

Forno Balat

Friendly cafe in the Golden Horn

"Forno Balat" in Istanbul has amazing breakfast -- the best scrambled eggs and open-buffet and homemade jams I've tasted in Turkey.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Emre

Kamar

Apr 30, 2025

Müz Botanik & Kahve

Muses dancing all around

"Müz Botanik & Kahve" in Istanbul is a plant shop, workshop space, cafe & design store in Istanbul. Just the name 'muse' was enough for me to fall in love.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Arzu

Damli

Apr 29, 2025

Bord İstanbul

Fine dining at the museum

"Bord İstanbul" is one of the city's best restaurants and it's right inside the naval museum. Everything's fresh, organic and seasonal here...

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Arzu

Damli

Apr 29, 2025

Helvetia

Just like your mum's cooking

"Helvetia" in Asmalimescit, Beyoglu, Istanbul is one of my favorite spots to have quick lunch. I really like the cozy communal feeling of this place...

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Arzu

Damli

Apr 29, 2025

Craft Beer Lab

Fancy a pint?

"Craft Beer Lab" in Istanbul is a brand new pub with a big beautiful garden and a huge selection of beers. I know where I'll be brining my friends now!

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

by

Seyda

Vardar

Apr 29, 2025

Sobremesa Coffee

Mi casa es tu casa

"Sobremesa Coffee" in Istanbul's Besiktas: great for meeting friends w/ coffee or working on the laptop. Its name is a Spanish word which is a perfect fit!

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Seyda

Vardar

Apr 29, 2025

Heading to Istanbul?

236 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Heading to Istanbul?

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

236 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

App Download Download our app

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite Coffee & tea

Our team loves Istanbul

Get to know our other Spotters from Istanbul

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
false
0
false
7291
Filters